The film about an American singer in the 1970s named Rodriguez who was unknown in the US but who sold more recordings, without his knowing it, in South Africa than Elvis Presley, was structured like a mystery. The singer Rodriguez did not attend the Oscars because "he didn't want to take any of the credit" for the film for himself, said the producer Simon Chinn.

"That says everything about the man you need to know," said Chinn.

About Duane Dudek

Duane Dudek is a reporter and columnist covering radio and television. He also reviews movies.